1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of origins
Fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the literal origins of Claire and Brian, both of whom are essential for bringing the original series story to pass.
—
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
The museum's origins Congress passed legislation to establish the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1962.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The origins of irrelevant research that only academics care about can be traced to the talent pipeline stage.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
And because of its higher-level academic origins, the majority of voters on either side of its function would likely struggle to define it.
—John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The missions will each focus on different effects of the solar wind and space weather, from their origins at the Sun to their farthest reaches billions of miles away at the edge of our Solar System.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Ídolo, from Futuro Media, explores Sanchez’s origins, rise, and violent end.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Ahead of the festival, the Whites talked to THR about the origins of Eternity, the sweet spot for the budget of specialty films and their approach to biopics.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
The filmmaker also explains the origins of the 'Butt Guts Unit,' which was responsible for adding in more raucous moments.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
The museum's origins Congress passed legislation to establish the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1962.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The origins of irrelevant research that only academics care about can be traced to the talent pipeline stage.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
And because of its higher-level academic origins, the majority of voters on either side of its function would likely struggle to define it.
—John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The missions will each focus on different effects of the solar wind and space weather, from their origins at the Sun to their farthest reaches billions of miles away at the edge of our Solar System.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Ídolo, from Futuro Media, explores Sanchez’s origins, rise, and violent end.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Ahead of the festival, the Whites talked to THR about the origins of Eternity, the sweet spot for the budget of specialty films and their approach to biopics.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
The filmmaker also explains the origins of the 'Butt Guts Unit,' which was responsible for adding in more raucous moments.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origins
Noun
-
And more than 60 million Americans rely on drinking water from rivers and aquifers whose sources are within national forests.—
Ryan Gellert,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The #Eagles’ trade for Tank Bigsby is in part due to a need for another kick returner, sources say.—
Matt Wadleigh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For example, most types of turfgrass have short roots, and soil samples from lawns only need to be dug to a depth of 4 inches.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Slavers didn’t keep records of family lineages and the enslaved couldn’t do so.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Mingling and interbreeding Modern humans and Neanderthals share an ancestor that originated in Africa, but the two lineages diverged at least 500,000 years ago.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Now on sale for less than $20, these pumpkin cradles are a simple but genius gardening hack that lifts squashes off the ground to prevent moisture build-up that can cause rot.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The beginnings of it are depicted in true disaster movie style, with ominous music and a collapsing electric pylon that causes a faulty cable to fall to the ground.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Here is the emphasis on the hardscrabble beginnings and obstacles to be overcome, here is the recognition of a truly raw but once-in-a-lifetime talent that converts the nonbelivers, here are the early wins and the training montages and the tragedies and the comebacks.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Behind Chalet Alpina are two development teams with impressive pedigrees.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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